How to Prepare for Snoring Surgery

Snoring surgery can be an effective treatment for anyone that is suffering from sleep apnea or has been unable to combat excessive snoring. This solution doesn’t require you to go under the knife in surgery, but it does involve seeing a specialist in the ear, nose and throat field. In most cases, you’ll undergo a somnoplasty if you have issues with snoring. This procedure uses heat energy to burn away and modify the tissues of the uvula and the soft palate to prevent snoring. It’s an in-office procedure that is typically done with local anesthesia and is usually considered the last option to help deal with snoring issues, especially if other methods are not working at all. In this brief post, we’re going to look at how you can prepare for snoring surgery, whether it’s a somnoplasty or a similar procedure.

You may need to go through a sleep study

To rule out certain conditions, you may be asked to take part in a sleep study. This is an essential step to take before undergoing a somnoplasty, and it can help identify whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea. It will give your ENT doctor a better understanding of your situation so that they can apply their own knowledge and give you the best possible treatment. You’ll also want to let your doctor know about any sleeping habits that you might have. Let them analyze every single detail so that they can rule out the possibility of sleep apnea.

Taking care of your health

Your ENT doctor will likely recommend that you stop smoking temporarily in order to keep any coughing and bleeding to a minimum when the procedure is actually taking place. You may want to speak with your doctor if you’re having trouble cutting down before the procedure is due to happen. This is to ensure that nothing unexpected happens during the procedure itself. Since you’ll be awake with local anesthesia, any involuntary movements such as coughing could cause significant problems with the procedure. Regular exercise and weight loss can also help reduce the effects of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Before you sign up for surgery or before you’re put on a list, it’s a good idea to continue losing weight by eating healthily and exercising. This will increase the chances that the procedure will be successful, and it will aid in beating your snoring habit.

Understanding medication

Your ENT specialist will let you know what medication you should and shouldn’t take. On your initial appointment, you’ll want to bring any medication that you’re currently taking or think you will need during and after the procedure. For instance, aspiring is typically off-limits and shouldn’t be taken before a somnoplasty or another type of snoring surgery. Your doctor may also request that you don’t take any anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain medication, such as Tylenol, can be suitable before your somnoplasty. When in doubt, speak to your doctor and ask them if it’s safe or not to take over-the-counter or prescription medication.